U.S. forces deployed in the Middle East are prepared to launch a large-scale
strike on Iran within 96 hours of an order from President Trump, officials said.
Commanders say currently deployed forces are sufficient to execute potential
strikes. Planning envisions operations that could go beyond hitting radar,
missile launchers and other quickly recoverable assets — extending past the
limited, periodic strikes the U.S. has used since Trump halted full-scale
operations earlier this year. Officials said the issue is timing rather than
intent; an order could come at any point before year-end but is seen as more
likely after the U.S. midterm elections.
